3 ways to become a Dutch citizen

Through birth or acknowledgement

If you are the child of Dutch parents or you were acknowledged by a Dutch parent, you can become a Dutch citizen. See the website of the IND for more information.

Option procedure

The option procedure is a fast and easy way of acquiring Dutch nationality. You can find out if you are eligible for the option procedure on the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website.

Naturalisation

If you are not eligible for the option procedure, you may be able to apply for naturalisation.

If you live abroad, you can submit your naturalisation application to a Dutch embassy or consulate-general.

Before you can apply for naturalisation, you must take the civic integration examination for naturalisation. You can take the exam at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general. Find out more about registering for and taking the naturalisation exam by visiting the ‘Civic integration examination for naturalisation’ page.